Bellewood Park offers an opportunity to Establish roots close to Oak Bay and downtown

Linda and Bruce McFarlane at the Bellewood Park Presentation Centre. The couple plans to downsize into the two bedroom and three bathroom condo home they purchased. PHOTO: Geoff Hobson

Searching for their new home, Linda and Bruce McFarlane knew they didn’t want to relocate far from their South Oak Bay single-family home. Both Victoria natives, they felt it was time to downsize. Their goal was to find a neighbourhood that offered a village-like setting with the close-by amenities they were accustomed to.

“Our roots are deep in Victoria; to be able to stay close to where we were born is a pretty amazing thing,” said Bruce. “We like the idea of being close to downtown so we can walk when we’re no longer able to drive.” Bruce works downtown as an investment advisor and Linda is retired.

The couple recently purchased a condo at Bellewood Park. The 83-home community will be built by Victoria’s award-winning developer, Abstract Developments, and located at 1201 Fort Street, former site of the Victoria Truth Centre. Set on a two-acre park-like setting amid a mature Garry oak meadow, Bellewood Park will include two condominium buildings — The Oaks: a six-storey steel and concrete building, and The Cypress: a four-storey wood frame building. As well, there will be nine town homes built which will face Pentrelew Place to the south.

Penthouse features and finishes on display at the Bellewood Park Presentation Centre. PHOTO: Geoff Hobson

Linda and Bruce first became aware of Bellewood Park when they learned it was going to be developed. “We thought it was the ideal location for us. We’ve lived all our lives in South Oak Bay which is central to Oak Bay Village, Fairfield Village and Cook Street Village, and is within walking distance to downtown for Bruce when he’s working. We thought that Bellewood Park’s location was a good fit.” With children and grandchildren in Victoria who visit frequently, living in a central location makes it easy for gatherings and to stay connected to the family.

Linda and Bruce already knew of Abstract when they began looking for a new home. They had seen various homes the company had built and developed throughout the city. “We have always been impressed by the quality of work done by Abstract; this was an added incentive,” says Bruce. “If the quality of the construction at Bellewood Park is half as nice as their presentation centre, it’s going to be terrific. I know it will be.”

The couple selected a two bedroom, three bathroom home in the Oaks for the unit’s area views and 1200-square foot terrace. With another 1900 square feet of space inside, they plan to use the den as an office, while the second bedroom will serve as a media room with a wall bed that can be used for guests. Their main living area will be focused around art, much like the traditional living room in their single-family home. Attracted to the contemporary interior, the couple plans to retain many aspects of the traditional aesthetic found in their present home.

With a few years until completion and time to contemplate and plan décor and furnishings, Linda and Bruce are looking forward to settling into their new location, highlighting the neighbourhood opportunity and proximity to the Art Gallery, Oak Bay Recreation Centre and theatres. There will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy walks in the established neighbourhood.

“Curiously enough, we lived across from Government House when we first got married, so we’re almost back to where we started,” says Bruce.